Stray is one of those games I instantly tell people to play. There really isn’t anything quite like it. I first remember seeing a trailer for this game back in the early days of the PS5. When it came out as part of the PS Plus memberships, I played the game immediately and loved every second of it.
Originally released on the 19th July 2022, Nintendo finally got around to adding the game to its library when it arrived on the original Switch on the 19th November 2024. As the game has been out for a while, there is a fair chance some people may have played the game (like me) on other platforms before it arrived on the original Switch. I mention this only because there will definitely be two kinds of experiences playing Stray on the Nintendo Switch 2. They are: have you already played the game before or not?
Before I get into why this is a question, what is Stray exactly, anyway? You play as a ginger cat that lives in the outskirts of a decaying cybercity with your pack. Early on in the game, you get separated from them, and this game is your journey back to hopefully finding them.
The world you find yourself in is not inhabited by humans but by robots. You also befriend a tiny robot called B-12, who helps you on your journey. This tiny robot that you carry around in a little backpack helps you interact with the robots around you to uncover just why everything is in decay and where all the humans gone.
Even though you, the cat, don’t talk, the game is narrative-driven, and through B-12, you build up relationships to get to know the NPCs. These robots are trying to BE human, and through the main storyline or side quests, you can help them to help you.
One of the most outstanding features of the game is the fully realized, convincing world you are part of. It’s drenched with atmosphere, culture, detail and interest. Neon lights flicker, while the light reflects off puddles that soak the pavements. There are dark tunnels, skyscrapers, small shanty towns, and there is a surprising amount of visual diversity for a game that only runs for about 5 to 8 hours. It’s a very convincing digital world to experience.
The other outstanding aspect is how the developers have made you, the player, think like a cat during gameplay. For example, one of the first puzzles in the game is to tip some tins of paint off a ledge to break some glass below in order to enter a house. This is set up just before that bit as there are other paint pots on other ledges you can playfully knock over just for fun. This was the first moment of: “I’ll just mess around as a cat, oh! This is how I’ll need to look at this game as I play,”.
Another example of how you need to think like a cat is to reach a ledge to traverse over a building, but you first need to get into a barrel and roll it to where you need to go. The development team has done such a great job of bringing you down to the ground level of a cat.
Without giving too much away to stay away from spoilers, as you progress through the story, you start to uncover the mysteries of the world and the reason it’s in the state it is. Talking to NPCs gives so much value to the overarching story being told.
Some areas are linear, some a little open. Chase sequences do get the heart pounding as you can die in the game if too many of the weird, blob-like creatures known as Zurks pounce on you, and the basic stealth sequences are also exciting. The game, however, slows down during the open world sections to explore at your leisure. It really is one of those chill games you can just sit back and enjoy.
So, the crux of the matter is back to this: Have you played this game before?
If this is the first time you’ve ever seen the game, you’ve never had a PS5 or PC, then this is a very simple and easy recommendation to play. It’s a heart-warming game that will surprise you. The audio, the artwork, and the gameplay experience of being a cat here in this beautiful world is something to behold.
However…
If you have played the game before on other platforms, coming back to the Nintendo Switch 2 version feels like a big downgrade. There are hundreds of games that the Switch 2 can run at 60fps, but unfortunately, the one I really hoped would, Stray, is not one of them!
There is a case of “this is one of those games that, in all honesty, can get away with it.” It’s not an action-heavy game at all, so the 30fps that the game does run at is perfectly fine. The Switch 1 version of the game ran at even lower frame rates, so the Switch 2 can at least boast a boost there. Even better, any previous owners of the game get a free upgrade too.
It’s just that this isn’t a hugely demanding or large game, so what was the point of this version if you weren’t going to drastically improve it? The only actual listed improvements are 4k visuals, improved frame rates, and mouse support. The fact that they don’t list anything over 30 fps as part of the “improved frame rates” shows you just how poor the Switch 1 version ran in the first place.
To add a little insult to the injury, the 4k visuals are visuals that have been upscaled from the original, not a case of native 4k. Even so, the improved visuals are, indeed, nice, but the volumetric lighting looks worse! I watched some comparison videos, and it confirmed my thoughts. The old Switch 1 version, even though at a lower resolution and lower frame rate, looked clearer and cleaner.
At the end of the day, these gripes aside, don’t let that put you off buying the game if you’re interested. In the UK Nintendo Store, it’s listed at £23.99 RRP, which even then is still a bargain if this is your first time playing it. I’ve already seen it listed lower than that as well, which makes it an even easier game to recommend.
As an owner of a Switch 2, though, I can’t help but feel disappointed that the performance isn’t that much of a step up from the Switch 1 version or even close to being on par with the PS5 version I’ve played (and still have to compare). The Switch 2 is a much more competent piece of hardware that deserves better from developers and publishers alike.
Although it’s really only the frame rate that lets this version of the game down, it makes a huge difference to the experience overall. Even just exploring and not racing around doesn’t feel as silky smooth or as deserving as the game requires it to be.
Stray for the Nintendo Switch 2 could have been that showcase game that owners of the console could have wowed friends with, but only running at 30fps at best, it won’t do that. Despite a gorgeous, wonderful-looking world and excellent gameplay, it is a case of close but no cigar.
Developer: Blue Twelve Studio
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: 28th May 2026
Gaming Respawn’s copy of Stray for Nintendo Switch 2 was provided by the publisher.
